In Brief Big Decisions: June 2006

Southern Cross | 29 May 2006

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Each month Southern Cross reports on the major decisions of the diocesan Standing Committee.

Same sex adoption inquiry
The Social Issues Executive, in consultation with Anglicare Sydney, has been asked to prepare and lodge a submission about proposals to remove the prohibition in NSW on same-sex couples adopting children.

Extension for Bishop Tasker
The retirement date of the Bishop of Georges River Peter Tasker has been extended until 7 June 2009 on the understanding that his appointment as Bishop will be reviewed annually by the Archbishop until that time.

Regions committee established
The regional bishops or their nominees together with Robert Tong, Robert Wicks, Jim Ramsay and John Pascoe have been appointed to a committee to review the Regions Ordinance 1995 and to bring a report about changes to facilitate the better functioning and practical working of the ordinance.

Public holiday leave change deferred
Standing Committee has deferred consideration of the Annual Leave Amendment Ordinance 2006. This will allow a policy debate to be held about whether and on what basis clergy should be entitled to public holidays and what absence from parish duties constitutes annual leave. The Diocesan Secretary Robert Wicks will prepare a paper, with recommendations, to discuss the issues.

Book committee disbanded
Standing Committee agreed in principle that the Sydney Diocesan Educational and Book Committee should be disbanded and its assets allocated equally to Anglican Youthworks and Moore College.

Mission fundraising to be considered
Standing Committee endorsed a report from a committee chaired by the Rev Zav Veron about fundraising for the Diocesan Mission. It has been referred to the Mission Board for consideration and the board has been asked to report back ‘as a matter of urgency’.

IR reforms clarified
Standing Committee was advised that the Federal Government’s WorkChoices Industrial Relations reform only applies to those diocesan employers that are incorporated and are either a ‘trading corporation’ or a ‘financial corporation’ under the Australian Constitution. A circular will shortly be sent to parishes advising them that, save some exceptions, they are not subject to the WorkChoices legislation and that their workplace arrangements continue to be governed by NSW Industrial Relations legislation and awards.

Sydney to respond to commission
At the meeting of the Standing Committee of the General Synod held on 4 and 5 March 2006 there was a communication from the Rev Canon Gregory Cameron, secretary to the Inter Anglican Theological and Doctrinal Commission, who is seeking responses to four questions put by the chair of commission. This was received and referred to the Doctrine Commission and each diocese for consideration and response. Standing Committee requested the Rev Dr Mark Thompson in consultation with the Archbishop of Sydney to ensure that a response is made on behalf of the Diocese.

Elections to boards and committees
The Rev Rob Smith was elected to the Ordination Training Fund Committee. The Rev Baden Stace was elected to the Council of the College of Preachers. The Rev Phil Colgan was elected to the Anglican Church Property Trust (Sydney).

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